Donna Fulbright v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On May 14, 2021, Donna Fulbright, then 49, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in her right arm on October 7, 2020 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The central entitlement dispute was onset.

Medical records from November and December 2020 often described right shoulder pain beginning in mid-October or two to three weeks after vaccination. The records also showed no prior shoulder problem, then right shoulder pain, limited motion, mild adhesive capsulitis and subacromial bursitis, steroid injection, physical therapy, later surgical recommendation, and surgery in June 2021.

Ms. Fulbright submitted sworn declarations from her husband and coworkers stating that she complained of pain immediately or by the next day and that the pain quickly affected her ability to work as a nurse.

Respondent argued that the medical records were more reliable than the later declarations. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran credited the sworn statements, especially because the coworkers were affected by Ms. Fulbright's limitations at work, and found that onset within 48 hours was proven.

Entitlement was granted on March 27, 2025. On December 1, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $125,000.00 for pain and suffering and $3,995.85 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total of $128,995.85.